Live Transfer Blog: EPL, La Liga and Rest of Europe (4th January 2017)

All the best transfer news and rumours in one place

That's it for today folks! See you all back tomorrow morning!

Hopefully, we have a lot more rumours to report tomorrow.

JOHN OBI MIKEL TO MOVE TO CHINA!
Off to China too?

John Obi Mikel has received mega money offers from China according to reports. His agent, John Shittu has denied claims that the Nigerian has agreed a move to Valencia.

That comes as there has been strong interest from the Chinese Super League after Oscar moved from Chelsea to Shanghai SIPG in a £60m move.

Shanghai Greenland Shenhua, Guangzhou Evergrande, Hebei China Fortune and Beijing Guoan are all interested in signing Mikel, who is out of contract with Chelsea in the summer.

Napoli's Algeria international Faouzi Ghoulam has 'reportedly' rejected a new contract amid interest from Premier League leaders Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/gzDUI7Tqbb
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) January 4, 2017

Jens Hegeler – From Bundesliga to Championship! What a move!

NEWS: #BristolCity secure the signing of Hertha Berlin midfielder Jens Hegeler for an undisclosed fee. https://t.co/DUC4dSnsBz pic.twitter.com/3sNjkKqsxZ
— Bristol City FC (@bcfctweets) January 4, 2017

FC Barcelona Transfer Rumour: Manchester City planning to go all out in their pursuit of Lionel Messi

Newcastle United waiting to hear back for loan offers for Fabian Delph, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tom Cleverly.

They have also made a move to make a permanent signing of Callum Wilson from AFC Bournemouth!

Ndidi has agreed personal terms, undergone a medical and will sign a contract to June 2022 once a work permit has officially been granted!
— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 3, 2017

DONE DEAL: Wolfsburg have completed the signing of Riechedly Bazoer from Ajax on a four-and-a-half year deal.

(Via @VfLWolfsburg) pic.twitter.com/xYjuhWGly8
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) January 4, 2017

PEPE TO CHINA!

Off to China?

Real Madrid centre-back Pepe has been offered a deal worth €15 million per year to join Chinese Super League side Hebei Fortune.

The Portugal international's contract at the Bernabeu expires in the summer and he's free to discuss a pre-contract with any club. He has also been linked with a move to Manchester United and Chelsea while rumours of Juventus entering the race are also surfacing.

Chinese clubs have been on a spending spree and have signed several top stars from Europe. Star players like Oscar, Hulk, Alex Teixeira, Ramires, Paulinho, Gervinho, Graziano Pelle, Demba Ba, Jackson Martinez and Papiss Demba Cissé, have rejected offers from European clubs to move to the Chinese Super League.

Leicester City are set to step up their interest in signing Norwich City's Robbie Brady once they offload flop winger Bartosz Kapustka. The Polish winger is yet to play for the Premier League champions since a £7.5 million summer switch from Polish side Cracovia!

CRYSTAL PALACE WANT FRANK LAMPARD

Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is wanted by Crystal Palace as he contemplates a return to English football. The midfielder left New York City after the end of teh MLS season and is a free agent right now.

Lampard spent 13 years at Chelsea and then signed for New York City. He played a season at Manchester City on loan from the MLS side and scored against his former club.

Big Sam is said to be a big fan of the midfielder and is ready to offer him a short term contract and is also interested in getting Lampard's best friend and Chelsea captain, John Terry.

WHERE'S THE CONTRACT?

Michael Carrick is reportedly still waiting for Manchester United to offer him a new contract. Six weeks ago, Jose Mourinho said he wanted Carrick to stay for another year, but till now they are yet to offer him a new contract!

He's free to talk to other clubs as his contract expires in the summer.

Everton could move for Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson if they fail to land Ronald Koeman's preferred target, Virgil van Dijk of Southampton.

Van Dijk is a target for Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea and it would be very difficult for them to swoop him away from Southampton. The defender has been in top form this season and has attracted interest from Premier League giants.

DEFOE NOT FOR SALE!

Sunderland have knocked back West Ham's bid for Jermain Defoe and insisted the forward is not for sale. West Ham and Crystal Palace are keen on signing the prolific forward but David Moyes is releuctant to let him go as they battle for Premier League survival.

MICHY'S GOING NOWHERE!

Chelsea have rejected a loan bid fro Lille for Michy Batshuayi according to various reports. The Ligue 1 side were keen on signing the Belgian who's been warming the benches for Chelsea this season.

Antonio Conte is not willing to let him go as he is the only back-up option available for Diego Costa.

Real Madrid transfer rumour: Paulo Dybala agrees move to Los Blancos

CHRIS SMALLING TO JOIN EVERTON!

Reports suggest Chris Smalling could be on his way out of Old Trafford this transfer window, with Ronald Koeman’s Everton contemplating a bid. Jose Mourinho is not interested in keeping him at the club and will sell him for the right offer.

Koeman is on the hunt to sign a defensive partner for Ashley Williams and is willing to offer up to £15 million for the Englishman. Everton have already had a £18 million bid rejected by Manchester United for Morgan Schneiderlin.

Arsenal are also said to be interested in signing Chris Smalling but Mourinho would not be interested in selling his player to a club they are battling for the top 4.

Jose Mourinho is happy with the pairing of Eric Bailly and Phil Jones but is keen on signing another centre-back as Smalling is not 'fitting into his system'

BONY REJECTS CHINA MOVE!

Wilfried Bony has reportedly snubbed mega-money offers from China to stay at the Stoke City. The striker who's on loan from Manchester City has played just 11 matches for the Potters but is adamant on staying and fighting for his position.

It's curtains for Mike Phelan at Hull City as the Tigers have sacked their manager 20 games into the season. They are currently at the rock bottom of the table with 13 points - 3 off 17th placed Crystal Palace.

📝 | The Club can announce this evening that it has parted company with Head Coach Mike Phelan. More details to follow...
— Hull City (@HullCity) January 3, 2017

INTEREST IN SCHNEIDERLIN MOUNTS!

Marseille have reportedly entered the race to sign Manchester United outcast, Morgan Schneiderlin this month. West Brom and Everton have already had their bids rejected for the midfielder as United want at least £24 million for him.

West Bromwich Albion made a bid of £19 million while it was Everton who kicked off the bidding with £18 million.

Hello, and welcome to today's Live Transfer Blog! Some exciting rumours being reported today, stay tuned as we cover them all right here!